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New England is filled with historic inns and taverns that have withstood the test of time. Many date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, and are notable for hosting some of the most distinguished figures in American history. Although most of the inns are passed down in families from generation to generation, some go up for sale occasionally, allowing those looking for a unique property investment to own a piece of history. But casual travelers can experience that history each time they stay at one of these historic establishments. Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, Massachusetts Since 1773, the Red Lion Inn has played host to historic notables, including poet and journalist William Cullen Bryant and several presidents. Although the name has changed over the years as the inn changed management, the symbol of the red lion has remained intact. Famed Americana artist Norman Rockwell immortalized the inn in one of his paintings, “Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas.” strong>Longfellow’s Wayside Inn, Sudbury, Massachusetts Located on the historic Boston Post Road, the Wayside Inn has been open for business since 1716, making it the oldest operating inn in the country. Originally known as the Sudbury Tavern, the inn took on a new name and became a gathering place for America’s literary artists after Henry Wadsworth Longfellow used it as the setting for his book, Tales of a Wayside Inn, in 1863. The Francis Malbone House, Newport, Rhode Island Looking slightly out of place in the seafaring town of Newport, the Francis Malbone House is a must-see landmark. The three-story brick building done in classic Georgian style has a distinctively British flair, no doubt influenced by the British occupation of Newport during the American Revolution. The 20-room inn continues to provide food and lodging to area visitors as it has since the 1760s. strong>The Dorset Inn, Dorset, Vermont Providing an anchor point to the village green, the Dorset Inn has been continuously owned and operated since 1796, making it the oldest operating inn in Vermont. Although the inn has undergone extensive renovations over the years, it has retained its small-town charm and historical significance. While the on-site tavern no longer maintains its own farm, it sources all of meats and produce from local farmers.